Selling the Sun: Caribbean Marketplace 2013

Melanie Reffes - Nassau, Bahamas 

Hosted by the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and the Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board and organized by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), the much-anticipated and always well-attended Caribbean Marketplace 2013 was a spirited affair at Atlantis Resort in Paradise Island. 

Atlantis Resort, Paradise Island ( credit: M. Reffes) 

Held for the second consecutive year in the Bahamas, a first for any country that has hosted the show, the 31^st annual Marketplace got off to a rousing start with performances by the Royal Bahamas Police Force Band and the National Choir and speeches by Obie Wilchcombe , minister of tourism, Richard Doumeng, president, CHTA and the Hon. Perry Christie, prime minister of the Bahamas who noted “2012 will be seen as the year in which travel to our beautiful and distinct region turned around, due in large measure to the impact and success of Marketplace 2012.” 

(credit: M. Reffes   )

(credit: M. Reffes ) 

With buyers from twenty countries, the region’s largest tourism trade show is a magnet for buyers, sellers, suppliers and government officials who sealed deals during 12,476 appointments in two days.

Raymond Francis, Exec. Director Bahamas Out Island Promotion Board
Shavonne Darville, co-owner Gems of Paradise, President of the Board ( credit: M. Reffes ) 

Jamaica Tourist Board (credit: JTB )

Bahamas Buzz

 Sunwing Travel Group will reopen the previous Reef Hotel in Grand Bahama as a 500-room all-inclusive Memories Resort.  “   A very important part of this deal is that Sunwing will join with the Ministry of Tourism to initiate airlift out of the USA in markets where they operate under their brand Vacation Express into Grand Bahama, “said David Johnson, director general, ministry of tourism. The Memories brand has five resorts in Cuba and will be expanding to Jamaica and the Dominican Republic.

At the Atlantis, industry veteran Cristian Sariego has been appointed general manager of The Cove Atlantis and The Reef Atlantis in Paradise Island. Upcoming at the 3970-room resort includes an expanded casino, interactive encounters with the manatees and the opening of Olives, a favorite eatery at the Bellagio in Las Vegas. “We are a multi-dimensional property with a product for every demographic, ‘said George Markantonis, president Kerzner International Bahamas, “we operate one large resort with varying price points and amenities which is why we lay claim to a twenty-three percent visitor return rate .”

Cristian Sariego ( credit: Atlantis) 

 Slated to open at the end of next year, the $3.5 billion Baha Mar Resort in Nassau’s Cable Beach will include 2,2000  new rooms  in four hotel brands including the Mondrian, Grand Hyatt , Rosewood  and the Baha Mar Hotel which will house the largest casino in the Caribbean. When complete, the largest complex in the Caribbean will also offer two spas, water-park, nightclub, Jack Nicklaus golf course and wedding chapel.  “We are targeting Baha Mar as the Bahamas Riviera which will redefine the vacation experience, “said Robert Sands, vice president, Baha Mar. Also in the Baha Mar development are the already-operating 550-room Wyndham and 700-room Sheraton.

Rendering Baha Mar Hotel ( credit: Baha Mar ) 

 For foodies, Graycliff Hotel has launched The Art of Chocolate Making at its new chocolate factory in Nassau. From roasting beans to creating artisan truffles,  the one-hour tour is a must-do for the entire family and be booked either on-line or at many of the resorts in Nassau and Paradise Island.  www.graycliff.com

Graycliff Sweet Treats ( credit: Graycliff) 

Trade Floor Talk

Island Routes Caribbean Adventures launched ‘Live Funner ‘tours that takes visitors   beyond the resort and into the heart of the islands. “We bring our commitment to creating opportunity and sharing the joy and excitement of our Caribbean home,” said David Shields, general manager,” by the end of the adventure, our guests feel like one of the locals.” “We will launch this spring in Grenada with River Tubing and the Epicurean Delight that will take foodies to see how chocolate is made and to the many spice gardens that dot the island, “adds David Shields.  www.islandroutes.com

Zip Lining Tour ( credit: Island Routes ) 

Aimbridge Hospitality will open the Best Western Premier Petion-Ville on March 15.  A four-star property near the capital, the hotel is the first US chain hotel to open in Haiti.  The seven story 106-room hotel will have a whisky bar, spa, 24-hour security and a restaurant. “We are extremely proud of this hotel, “said Tom Osborn, regional director, North American development,” it incorporates Haitian design and art work and offers a unique experience for the business traveler, individuals and families. “

According to research released by Smith Travel Research, the Dominican Republic added 224 new rooms in 2012, the biggest number of any country in the Caribbean with Puerto Rico ranking second with 130 new rooms built last year.  In the D.R., construction has started on the Westin Puntacana Resort in the Playa Blanca area near the airport.  The 204 room hotel will have convention space, cigar bar, outdoor pool and a Westin Workout gym. “We are excited to be financing the construction of The Westin Puntacana Resort & Club,” Frank Rainieri, president, Grupo Puntacana , “our investment reflects our confidence in continued international demand for exceptional travel experiences in the Dominican Republic.”        The five-star hotel will offer guests access to amenities within the Puntacana Resort & Club including a 45-hole golf course, Six Senses Spa, restaurants, freshwater springs, equestrian center and petting zoo as well as an array of water sports.

Punta Cana Resort & Club and Golf Course ( below)
(Credit: Punta Cana Resort ) 

 

In St. Maarten, The Princess Juliana Airport will undergo major improvements including runway rehabilitation, new taxiways and a new website - www.sxmairport.com – with accurate arrival and departure information as well as tips for travelers visiting the island.  For the shoppers in the crowd, the Blue Mall in Cupecoy is open with a plethora of upscale shops and boutiques.  "St. Maarten is already a shopper's paradise,” said Edward Dest, interim director of tourism, “the Mall is a welcome addition to what we offer our visitors from around the world.”  The regional trade show, SMART, will be held May 15 – 18 at the Sonesta Maho Beach Resort.

(credit: St. Maarten Tourist Bureau ) 

Blue Mall ( credit: St. Maarten Island Guide  ) 

Across the pond, the ferry from the airport in St. Maarten to Anguilla now departs in the evening for travelers who prefer not to overnight in St. Maarten.  On the hotel landscape, two openings for next year include Zemi Beach, a 112-room high-end hotel on Shoal Bay and the 32-room Manoah built on the site of the former Ku Hotel. Slated to open in December, the upscale Malliouhana Hotel is now under new ownership. The iconic resort opened in 1984 and closed in 2011 pending a sale. “We are very excited about these island developments, “said Haydn Hughes, parliamentary secretary of tourism, “we are confident they will offer our visitors even more options when visiting the island.  “

Haydn Huges, parliamentary secretary , tourism  Anguilla ( credit: M. Reffes ) 

Save the Date

Jamaica will host Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2014 at the Montego Bay Convention Center.   www.caribbeanhotelandtourism.com

-          30-

The Angler's Boutique Resort : Selling South Beach

Melanie Reffes - South Beach

A vacay in the Caribbean is supposed to relax and refresh, however, if you’re flying to the islands from the northeast where the weather can change on a dime or from the west or south where the connection times at the airport in Miami require sprinting to the gate like an Olympic athlete, consider staying for a day or two before your flight to the Caribbean. Spending a few days and nights not only warms the heart but reduces the stress of missing the connection to your much-deserved vacation and as many flights to the Caribbean depart from Miami, it’s the perfect spot to kick start your holiday .

Swaying palms on the beach ( credit: M. Reffes ) 

 The day starts with a delectable stack of Torrejas   or Latin-inspired French toast crowned in guava butter and sweet blueberries, strawberries and blackberries. Add a cup of oh-so-fabulous espresso and breakfast at the Angler’s Boutique Resort is in Miami’s South Beach is vacation paradise. Between Biscayne  Bay and the gin-clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean, South Beach or SoBe as the locals call it , is international playground par excellence.

The Angler's shines at night (credit: Angler's) 

Home Suite Home

Family-owned and hip without pretension , The Angler’s is a  45-suite resort with a host of vacay must-haves like a heated pool with cozy cabanas, white marble floors ,rooftop terraces , beds as soft as talc with 400 thread count Egyptian cotton linens and the uber-luxe Spa Therapy line of Gilchist & Soames soaps and lotions liberally stocked in every room.

(credit: M. Reffes & Angler's Resort ) 

Close to the Port of Miami for those booked on a Caribbean cruise and the Miami International Airport for those en route to the Caribbean , the resort is the top rated TripAdvisor hotel in Miami Beach applauded for its unrivaled service and attention to guests. A concierge checks guests into the room rather than waiting at the front desk,  a  hot stone massage can be enjoyed en suite and Carlos the bartender shakes and stirs magnificent Jalapeno Margaritas with Tanteo Jalapeno tequila, cucumbers, cane sugar and a splash of citrus sour.

The Pool House Villa is swanky on three floors with a rooftop sundeck, living room; gigantic bedroom and bamboo wooden floors that are heaven for tired tootsies. The two-story Manor Villa has a spiral staircase that connects both floors and an outdoor Jacuzzi that is sublime for late-night dips. “We’re an escape from the South Beach party experience, “ says James Ayres, general manager and industry veteran who honed his skills at the fabled Ritz-Carlton in nearby Naples, Florida, “I monitor our  TripAdvisor comments and I reply to all them personally if concerns need to be addressed, although that rarely happens. “

 Delighted to work with travel agents, the resort offers up to a fifteen percent commission on confirmed bookings as well as opportunities for agents to experience the property.  “We encourage FAM trips and often coordinate with the Miami CVB who may be bringing agents to Miami,” adds James Ayres, general manager, “Of course, we also welcome agents to call the resort directly and we can assist with the arrangements. “  www.theanglersresort.com

(photo credit: Angler's ) 

Latin Fusion

From Bogota, Colombia to New York City’s acclaimed Lucy Latin Kitchen, Chef Carlos Torres brings his culinary wizardry to Restaurant 660, the Angler’s funky fusion restaurant.  Inspiring with French Moroccan decor  dining is suburb outside by candlelight or in the intimate lounge.

Chef Torres ( credit: Angler's Resort )

 A guaranteed crowd-pleaser , specialties  reflect the Chef’s Latin roots like short rib empanadas and El Viejo Burger, a Latin version of the American favorite  with caramelized onions and manchego cheese.   His signature ceviche is a gastronomic standout prepared in a variety of ways from salmon blended with apple citrus, paprika oil and basil to the wildly popular Verde Mixto, the perfect marriage of fresh seafood to Peruvian corn, red onions and cilantro.

Weekend Brunches with bottomless pitchers of Bacardi Smoothies and Mimosas kick start the day while a guitarist serenades happy diners digging into Morning Burritos stuffed with chorizo and salsa.  “I am indeed confident and proud that the abilities I bring to the table are expressed in my creation, “the Chef says humbly.

Out & About

 A parade of pretty party people speaking a melange of languages shop for labels from Vuitton, Armani and Diesel to Madden, Miller and Ritchie Swimwear featured in Sports Illustrated spreads. A long-time fence-sitter between the place to party and the place to retire, Miami has emerged as the design capital of the US with its distinctive art deco neighborhoods and retro hotels that are now luxury Inns. 

For history buffs, the Art Deco Visitor Center - www.mdpl.org - offers walking tours , Miami Culinary Tours introduces foodies to a delectable array of restaurants www.miamiculinarytours.com/    and for fans of the avant-garde, a tour of the graffiti art in the Wynwood neighborhood is an uber-fun way to while away a Miami afternoon. www.giltcity.com/miami/roamrides.

Wynwood  ( credit: M. Reffes )

 - 30 -